New survey gets inside the heads of Chronic Migraine sufferers
TORONTO, April 23, 2013 /CNW/ - If you've ever had a splitting headache, and most of us have, then you know how unbearable the pain can be. Lying down in a dark, quiet room is often all you can bear. Thankfully, headaches like these are seldom for most, but for Canadians suffering with Chronic Migraine, they are far too regular and can make managing life's most common and joyous events a struggle.
In fact, a new survey of Canadians with Chronic Migraine shows that more than 60 per cent miss or adjust their daily routine because of a migraine or headache at least once a week. And, in the last year, over 80 per cent of respondents said that they have missed an important event, including a family function, work function and even vacation!i
To increase awareness of Chronic Migraine, Headache Network Canada is hosting a "Chronic Migraine Friendly Zone" that features an information session about Chronic Migraine followed by a special screening at SilverCity Yorkdale that will remove many of the migraine triggers that cause 73 per cent of patients to avoid going to the movies.i The event includes a showing of The Big Wedding (starring Diane Keaton and Robert De Niro), and attendees will learn more about Chronic Migraine from Dr. Gary Shapero, one of Canada's leading headache and migraine specialists, as well as a representative from Headache Network Canada.
Chronic Migraine is a distinct neurological disorder that according to the survey forces 60 per cent of sufferers to live with headaches for at least 20 days every month.i It is estimated that 370,000 adult Canadians suffer from Chronic Migraine,ii-iii but approximately 80 per cent of those who meet the definition of the disease have not received an accurate diagnosis.iv
More information about Chronic Migraine and the "Chronic Migraine Friendly Zone" event can be found below and at www.mychronicmigraine.ca.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
Dr. Shapero and Mary Ellen Gilhooly, who has lived with Chronic Migraine for 30 years, are available for interviews to raise awareness about this often misunderstood condition and the true impact it has on quality of life. Topics that they can speak to include:
- What is Chronic Migraine?
- What are the triggers and symptoms?
- How does the condition impact daily life?
- How can people who suffer from Chronic Migraine better manage their condition to enjoy a better quality of life?
| WHAT: | A "Chronic Migraine Friendly Zone" event, featuring an information session about Chronic Migraine followed by a special night at the movies. Attendees will enjoy a screening of The Big Wedding, starring Diane Keaton and Robert De Niro, in a Chronic Migraine friendly zone. Lights and sound will be adjusted to provide a more enjoyable viewing experience. |
| WHEN: | Wednesday, May 1, 2013 between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. |
| WHERE: | SilverCity Yorkdale, 3401 Dufferin, North York, ON |
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i Leger Marketing, National Survey of Chronic Migraine Patients, 2013.
ii Statistics Canada. 2011 Census of Canada: Topic-based tabulations. Accessed February 12, 2013.
iii Natoli JL et al. Global Prevalence of Chronic Migraine: A Systematic Review. Cephalalgia. 2010 May;30(5):599-609.
iv Bigal ME, et al. Chronic Migraine in the Population. Neurology. 2008;71:559-566.
SOURCE: Allergan
For further information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Shapero and/or Mary Ellen Gilhooly, please contact:
Adam Sanders
416.850.0241
[email protected]
Natalie Mora
416.849.1958
[email protected]
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